Introducing Chris Del Conte, the driving force behind University of Texas sports.

Chris Del Conte, the current athletic director of the University of Texas, has been a transformative figure in the world of collegiate athletics. His leadership, vision, and strategic decision-making have played a pivotal role in elevating the Texas Longhorns’ athletic programs to new heights. Under his guidance, Texas has achieved remarkable financial success, witnessed significant improvements in athletic performance, and strengthened its position as one of the most influential athletic departments in the country. In this article, we will explore Del Conte’s career, his approach to leadership, and the key ways in which he has impacted the University of Texas athletics program.

Early Life and Career

Chris Del Conte was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1969. Growing up, he developed a deep passion for sports, with a particular interest in football and basketball. His enthusiasm for athletics led him to pursue a career in college sports administration, where he believed he could have the greatest impact. Del Conte’s career began in the late 1980s when he took a position as a student-athlete services coordinator at the University of California, Berkeley. From the outset, Del Conte showed a natural aptitude for leadership and a keen understanding of what it takes to build a successful athletic program.

Before his tenure at Texas, Del Conte had a diverse career in college sports administration. He worked at several universities, including the University of Arizona, where he served as the senior associate athletic director for operations and the University of Washington, where he was the senior associate athletic director for external operations. These roles helped Del Conte hone his skills in fundraising, media relations, and strategic planning—skills that would later serve him well as he took on leadership roles at the University of Texas.

Del Conte’s experience at these institutions, combined with his extensive background in sports administration, ultimately led him to become the athletic director at Texas in 2017. His appointment marked a new era for Longhorns athletics, and he quickly became known for his energy, enthusiasm, and ability to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of collegiate sports.

Leadership at the University of Texas

Chris Del Conte’s leadership style is characterized by a strong commitment to excellence, transparency, and innovation. When he took the reins as the athletic director at Texas, he recognized the immense potential of the Longhorns’ athletic programs and set out to ensure that the department remained at the forefront of collegiate sports.

One of Del Conte’s first priorities was to strengthen the financial position of the athletic department. Texas, a school with a long tradition of success in athletics, already had a strong foundation, but Del Conte recognized that in order to compete at the highest level, the program needed to continue evolving and innovating. His approach has been centered around creating an atmosphere of accountability and collaboration, while also fostering a strong culture of giving from alumni and fans. Del Conte worked diligently to build relationships with donors, corporate sponsors, and other stakeholders, ultimately leading to record-breaking revenue and a thriving athletics program.

Achievements Under Del Conte’s Leadership

1. Record-Breaking Revenue and Financial Success

One of the most notable achievements during Chris Del Conte’s tenure as athletic director at Texas has been the financial success of the department. In the 2024 fiscal year, Texas reported a record-breaking $332 million in athletic revenue, making it the first Division I public school to surpass the $300 million mark in both revenue and expenses. This achievement is a testament to Del Conte’s leadership and his ability to harness the power of Texas athletics to generate significant financial support.

A key component of Del Conte’s financial strategy has been expanding Texas’ media rights deals. The university’s football program, in particular, has been a major revenue driver. Del Conte has also been a strong advocate for the Longhorn Network (LHN), a 24/7 sports network dedicated to Texas athletics. Under his leadership, the network has expanded its reach, offering more content and attracting a larger audience. Del Conte has also worked to secure corporate sponsorships and partnerships with major brands, further enhancing the department’s revenue stream.

The financial success of Texas athletics under Del Conte’s leadership has not only supported the athletic programs but has also provided resources for facilities upgrades, coaching hires, and other critical investments. By focusing on sustainable growth and innovation, Del Conte has ensured that Texas remains one of the most financially secure athletic departments in the country.

2. Facility Upgrades and Infrastructure

Another major area of focus for Del Conte has been the improvement of Texas’ athletic facilities. Understanding that state-of-the-art facilities are essential to attracting top-tier athletes and providing a world-class experience for student-athletes, Del Conte has overseen several major facility projects during his time at Texas.

Under Del Conte’s leadership, Texas has made significant investments in its football facilities, including the renovation of the Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium and the construction of the new, state-of-the-art Moody Center, which serves as the home of Texas men’s and women’s basketball. The Moody Center, which opened in 2022, has quickly become one of the premier arenas in college basketball, offering cutting-edge amenities for athletes, coaches, and fans alike. These facility upgrades reflect Del Conte’s vision for creating an environment that allows student-athletes to excel while also enhancing the overall fan experience.

Del Conte has also prioritized the improvement of facilities for other sports, including baseball, softball, and track and field. These upgrades not only provide athletes with the resources they need to succeed but also help attract top recruits who are looking for an institution that can offer the best in terms of training and competition.

3. Football and Basketball Success

While Del Conte has worked to enhance facilities and generate revenue, he has also played a key role in ensuring that the Longhorns’ athletic programs remain competitive at the highest level. Texas football, under Del Conte’s leadership, has consistently been a top contender in the Big 12 Conference and has regularly appeared in major bowl games. Though the program has faced some challenges, Del Conte’s support of head coach Steve Sarkisian and the coaching staff has been unwavering, providing the necessary resources to help build a championship-contending team.

Texas basketball, under Del Conte’s watch, has also experienced success. The men’s and women’s basketball programs have both seen significant improvements, with regular NCAA tournament appearances and strong performances in conference play. Del Conte’s commitment to supporting the basketball programs, both financially and strategically, has helped ensure that Texas remains a prominent force in the world of college hoops.

4. Athlete Experience and Well-Being

Del Conte has also placed a strong emphasis on the well-being of student-athletes. His leadership philosophy centers around the idea that a successful athletic program must prioritize the holistic development of its athletes, both on and off the field. Del Conte has worked to create a supportive environment where student-athletes can thrive academically, socially, and athletically.

Under Del Conte’s leadership, Texas has implemented several programs aimed at enhancing the athlete experience. These include mental health support services, academic counseling, leadership development programs, and a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the athletic department. Del Conte has also made it a priority to ensure that athletes are provided with the necessary resources to succeed in the classroom and in their future careers, whether in professional sports or other fields.

Chris Del Conte’s Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Del Conte’s vision for Texas athletics is focused on continued growth, success, and innovation. He understands that the landscape of college sports is constantly evolving, and he is committed to ensuring that Texas remains at the forefront of that evolution. As the Longhorns prepare to join the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2024, Del Conte has been instrumental in preparing the athletic department for the increased competition and opportunities that come with being part of one of the most powerful conferences in college sports.

Del Conte’s focus on building a sustainable and competitive athletic program will continue to drive his decisions in the coming years. Whether it’s through expanding the program’s media reach, further enhancing facilities, or ensuring that student-athletes have the resources they need to excel, Del Conte is dedicated to maintaining Texas’ status as one of the premier athletic programs in the country.